Inquest Begins for Late Cambridge Professor Jason Arday Amid Plagiarism Allegations
By Editor • August 26, 2026 • 1 min read
The inquest into the death of Jason Arday, the youngest Black professor at the University of Cambridge, has commenced following his unexpected passing on August 13. Dr. Arday, 41, was found dead in south London just eight days after resigning amid serious plagiarism allegations.
Senior coroner Dr. Julian Morris expressed concerns during the initial hearing at London Inner South Coroner's Court, stating he suspects the death may have been unnatural. Despite police initially classifying it as unexpected but not suspicious, the circumstances surrounding his resignation and the media scrutiny he faced have raised significant questions.
Dr. Arday's academic credentials came under fire last month, with accusations claiming over 100 sections of his 2015 PhD thesis closely mirrored another researcher’s work. He also faced skepticism regarding his personal achievements, including his claims of raising £5.5 million for charity through extreme athletic challenges.
Following his death, a fundraising initiative garnered nearly £225,000, aimed at supporting his family and covering funeral costs. The inquest's launch coincides with the upcoming release of his memoir, "Great and Unfortunate Things," which chronicles his journey from a non-verbal child to a distinguished academic.
Source: www.abc.net.au
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